Who We Are - University of Houston
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Undergraduate Admissions

Who We Are

Our Office

The Office of Admissions is made up of four main areas: Admissions Processing, Information Technology, New Student Programs (campus visits and orientation), and Student Recruitment. We’re among 29 departments and programs in the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services.

Our Mission

To provide information, pathways, and resources that give access to world-changing opportunities at the University of Houston. We aim to recruit academically promising students, provide timely admissions evaluation, and deliver an orientation and enrollment experience that establishes a foundation toward college retention and graduation.

Our Vision

To create a diverse, inclusive, and academically competitive university that has been shaped by high-touch and data-driven initiatives. A place that’s relentless about college access, a destination for academically competitive students, and a model within the field of college admissions.

Facts & Figures

  • 60+ full-time employees and 50+ part-time student staff
  • Regionally located in Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, McAllen, and Los Angeles (CA)
  • 48,000+ undergraduate applications annually
  • Incoming students represent nearly every county in Texas and every state in the U.S. as well as 90+ nations around the world.

Our Leadership

  • Headshot of Dr. Mardell Maxwell

    Dr. Mardell Maxwell

    Executive Director
    mrmaxwe2@central.uh.edu

    Dr. Mardell Maxwell joined the Office of Admissions in April 2017. He provides leadership and administrative oversight to undergraduate admissions, prospective student recruitment, new student orientation, and enrollment. Prior to moving to Houston, he served as an admissions professional at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Kansas State University.

  • Image of Kriston Burroughs

    Kriston Burroughs

    Director, Admissions Recruitment
    kpburrou@central.uh.edu

    Kriston Burroughs joined the Office of Admissions in August 2021. He oversees the Welcome Center Admissions staff and manages the admission of first year, transfer and graduate applicants to the university. He is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Prior to moving to Houston, he served as an admissions professional at Washington University in St. Louis.

  • Headshot of Gabrielle Sowell

    Gabrielle Sowell

    Director, Admissions Processing
    admissions@uh.edu

    Gabrielle Sowell joined the Office of Admissions in September 2019. She oversees the processing of freshman and transfer admissions applications, transfer credit evaluations, and college review decisions. A Native Houstonian, she received her bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from Texas Southern University and earned her master’s degree in education at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Knowledgeable in different areas of enrollment services that provide assistance to prospective and current students, Gabrielle understands the importance of serving students and helping them reach their educational and professional goals. Go Coogs!

  • Headshot of Derrick Alex

    Derrick Alex

    Lead, International Recruitment & Admissions
    dalex@central.uh.edu

    Along with firsthand experience of being an international student in the United States, Derrick also has expertise in successfully leading numerous areas within International Education at multiple US institutions.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American International Recruitment Council and has presented at various international higher ed conferences.

    Derrick is committed to international student success and has fluency in several Indian languages. He enjoys analyzing/interpreting complex data and considers it to be one of his pastimes.

Our Advisory Board

The Counselor Advisory Board is a group of highly recommended school counselors who advise UH in admission policies and practices aimed to better serve students through the college-going experience. The advisory board is a two-year commitment that consists of a one-day campus meeting in the fall and spring semesters. The benefits of membership include, but are not limited to:
  • Cultivate rapport with the Office of Admissions and other counselors;
  • Seek guidance from the Office of Admissions and other counselors specific to college admissions and counseling;
  • Establish a network to discuss educational trends and opportunities for college access.
  • Offer first-hand information to your school community regarding initiatives that impact student success.

Texas Members

Amy Hollie
The Woodlands High School

Bonnie Baker
Cedar Hill High School

Brian Williams
Elkins High School

Demetra Durham
Berkner High School

Dwana Burgens
IH Kempner High School

Erica Ramos
Memorial Early College High School

Greg Forge
Plano East High School

Jackie Magness
Del Valle High School

Kristy Dozier
Allen High School

Michelle Snyder
Crockett High School

Pamela Mason
Anderson High School

Paul Harris
Alamo Heights High College Center

Sujey Doctoroff
Saint Angnes Academy

Vilma Wolfe
Saint Joseph Academy

 

Out-of-State Members

Submit a nomination